Phyllis Gail Gifford, 94, passed away September 8, 2023, at Credo Senior Living, Basehor, Kansas. She was born on July 12, 1929 at Kansas City, Missouri, to Rodney & Zella (LaClare) Wilcox. On November 2, 1952, Phyllis married Lawrence Mische in Trousdale, Kansas. He passed away on July 28, 1958. She then married Merle E. Gifford on June 1, 1969, in Larned, Kansas. He passed away on July 12, 2012.
Mrs. Gifford was a Basehor, Kansas resident coming from Bushton and Larned. She graduated from Wesley University and spent her working years as a registered nurse. Phyllis was a member of the First United Methodist Church. She was a long-time member of a bridge club with her best friends. Phyllis enjoyed crafts of all kinds: sewing, knitting, ceramics, wheat weaving and tatting. She also loved planting a garden, tending it and canning the rewards or enjoying her beautiful roses. Phyllis loved Precious Moments and was an avid collector of the figurines.
Survivors include two sons, Bradley (Drucilla) Mische of Richmond, Virgina, and Kirk (Annika) Mische of Basehor, Kansas; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; Lawrence Mische; Merle Gifford; son, Gary Gifford; two daughters, Kathy (James) Ray and Mary Nolan; grandson, David Ray; and great-great-granddaughter, Maribelle Sims.
Friends may sign the book from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 12, 2023, at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, 415 N. Main St., Hoisington, Kansas.
Graveside service will take place at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 13, 2023, at Belpre Cemetery, Belpre, Kansas, with Pastor Tom Swain presiding.